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August 19, 2008
Naperville, IL –Nicor Gas encourages customers to plan ahead for fluctuating natural gas prices during the upcoming winter heating season by making their homes more energy efficient. Energy Depot, a free online tool available on the Nicor Gas web site, provides comprehensive home energy use analyses and identifies cost-saving opportunities. Energy Depot is quick, easy and confidential.
Nicor Gas recommends that customers should take action now and prepare for possible fluctuations in natural gas price, which typically occur during the heating season. Natural gas prices are variable, and customers may continue to see prices shift dramatically from month to month as we enter the heating season. As an example, the company filed an August gas supply charge (GSC) with the Illinois Commerce Commission of $1.08 per therm, down 37 cents from July which had risen 22 cents from June.
Nicor Gas does not make a profit on the cost of natural gas and is committed to informing customers about options that can help them manage their natural gas costs. "We are glad to offer our customers an online tool like Energy Depot to help them in assessing their energy usage and to find ways they can use energy more efficiently," said Kevin Kirby, Vice President of Customer Care for Nicor Gas.
Energy Depot has three components: Energy Profile, Energy Calculator, and the Energy Library.
Energy Profile
By completing the online Energy Profile, customers receive a comprehensive itemization of their home energy use and a list of cost-saving opportunities. Customer billing history is analyzed in conjunction with answers to an online survey regarding each customer's home energy systems and practices. A personal Energy Profile report specific to each customer is then generated which can be used in deciding what changes should be made in using energy more efficiently.
By creating an account within Energy Depot, customers can save the Energy Profile to review and update, and even create a profile for another residence. The process is quick, easy and confidential.
Energy Calculator
The Energy Calculator shows a customer's energy costs quickly, without completing a full Energy Profile analysis. Customers can use this tool to determine their approximate energy consumption and the cost to operate most home appliances. To receive a more precise estimate of home energy consumption and costs, along with valuable energy-saving recommendations, customers will need to complete the Energy Profile.
Energy Library
The Energy Library uses easy-to-understand terms and illustrations to present information about energy use in the home. The library contains detailed information to answer customers' energy questions and helps explain the Energy Profile's energy-saving recommendations. In addition, the Energy Library has an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on home energy use.
Nicor Gas also offers customers an additional billing option. The Nicor Gas Budget Plan spreads payments out over a 12-month period and is periodically adjusted to correct for future gas prices and expected usage. This option provides customers a convenient way to pay their natural gas bill every month as well as a great payment option for those who like to plan ahead.
For additional information about Energy Depot or managing gas costs, please visit www.nicorgas.com/gascost.
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com. | 
